Users Guide

Introduction to the VMware Virtual Infrastructure 25
VMware Virtual Infrastructure Overview
The VMware VirtualCenter Server 2 allows for the configuration of a hierarchical
organizational structure that resides primarily within the virtual domain. This enables an
organization to easily configure physical VMware ESX Servers and virtual machines to
reside in logical groups that dictate the various aspects of the virtual infrastructure (like
physical object location, resource allocations and limitations for virtual machines, and
high availability settings for physical and virtual components).
Object Roles
Before we get too far into discussing the layout and capabilities of vFoglight Cartridge
for VMware, we must understand the different roles the various physical and virtual
objects play within the overall virtual infrastructure.
The VirtualCenter Server and VMware ESX Servers provide the physical foundation for
the VI3 infrastructure.
Virtual machines on the other hand are classified as virtual components for the purpose
of management and monitoring, even though they have many of the same characteristics
(like direct network and storage access) as physical systems. At any given time, a virtual
machine must be contained within a single VMware ESX Server. The particular ESX
Server in which a given virtual machine is contained may change of course over the
lifetime of the virtual machine through the use of unique VMware technologies such as
VMware VMotion or VMware High Availability (VMware HA).
Physical Objects
The physical objects within the VMware virtual infrastructure are those with which you
can physically interact. The virtual components or objects that make up the virtual
environment cannot exist without the presence of underlying physical components.
A VMware ESX Server is an example of a physical component.
For vFoglight Cartridge for VMware to be used to monitor a virtual infrastructure, the
virtual infrastructure must consist of at least one VirtualCenter Server that is used to
manage the virtual infrastructure and at least one ESX Server that is used to run virtual
machines.
Note Each ESX Server that is used to run virtual machines must have its own managing
VirtualCenter Agent installed on it.